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Genus Lobelia

Lobelia Lobelia cardinalis Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais
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Lobelia is a large genus of almost 400 species of annuals, perennials, aquatics, and shrubs from around the globe, but especially the Americas. There is great variability within the genus, but all species have 2-lipped, tubular flowers, often very brightly colored. Grow perennials in a border or at waterside, annuals as edging or in containers, and aquatics in a wildlife pond.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Brightly colored 2-lipped flowers. Most are native to the Americas. Plants often attract hummingbirds. The milky sap may cause skin irritation.
 Care: Lobelia need consistently moist, deep, fertile soil in full sun or partial shade.
 Propagation: Sow seed of annuals in late winter at 55° to 64°F, and perennials at the same temperature as soon as seed is ripe. Divide perennials in spring. L. cardinalis can be propagated from bud cuttings in mid-summer.
 Problems: Rust, smut, leaf spots, slugs.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Lobelia

Lobelia cardinalis Lobelia cardinalis
(Cardinal flower) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Cardinal flower has reddish purple stems and lance-shaped, often glossy, bright green leaves tinged with bronze. Bold red spikes of tubular two-lipped flowers with reddish purple bracts appear in summer and early autumn.
Lobelia siphilitica Lobelia siphilitica
(Blue cardinal flower, Great blue lobelia) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This clump-forming perennial has upright leafy stems. From late summer to mid-autumn, it bears dense spikes of light to bright blue tubular, two-lipped flowers with a more prominent lower lip.
Lobelia Techno® Blue Lobelia Techno® Blue
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Unlike most trailing lobelias, this cultivar does not falter in hot temperatures. Techno® Blue is covered in intense, cobalt blue flowers. Its semitrailing, mounding habit is a great addition to containers and hanging baskets.